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Mode of transmission of RTV

When young (nymphs) and adult green leafhoppers feed on diseased plants, virus particles get attached to mouth parts (stylets). As these insects fly and feed on other plants, the virus particles from the stylets get introduced into healthy plants. The insects pick up virus particles within 5 minutes of feeding and can transmit these particles to other healthy plants. The green leafhoppers can not retain virus for a long time. They acquire virus again through repeated feedings. Generally, 8 -10 days after such an introduction of virus in plants, tungro virus disease symptoms appear.

Vector Transmission of RTVTungro virus disease is caused by two kinds of virus particles namely, BACILLIFORM (rod shaped) and SPHERICAL (round). Plants with only bacilliform virus particles show mild discolouration, reduced tillering and stunting. But, the green leafhoppers can not transmit RTV from these plants to others.

Plants possessing only spherical particles do not show any disease symptoms but serve as a source of infection. Green leafhoppers can transmit spherical particles to other plants.

Plants having both, bacilliform and spherical particles together, express severe symptoms of the disease and is the most destructive combination. Green leafhoppers pick and transmit both the particles